Collaborative Hypersonic And Missile Defense Research Internship

What will I be doing?

You will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to research missile defense. In this project the participants will experience hands-on learning with AFIT Graduate School of Engineering and Management Faculty in Hypersonic Vehicle development by participating in the configuration of new geometries in CAD; modeling and simulating the vehicle response to aerodynamic, structural, and thermal loading conditions; and conducting physical experiments for validation. Computer packages such as ABAQUS, NASTRAN, CAPS, MatLab, DAKOTA, CFL3D, FUN3D, etc. will be utilized for data generation, post-processing and response interpretation.

Why should I apply?

• Learn how to predict the vehicle response under multiple flight paths, maneuvers, and load conditions
• Participate in determining the vehicle's sustainability and resilience through the computation of stresses, deflections, and buckling resistance
• Participate in computing the aerodynamic pressures using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
• Gain experience in analyzing vehicle stability and resilience under extreme operating conditions (e.g., high temperature operating conditions, vehicle response to various heat transfer modes)
• Define the associated uncertainties in mission, vehicle geometry, and material variabilities
• Enhance skills in developing optimized vehicle configurations for shape, size, and topology aspects of hypersonic mission
• Consider aerodynamic, thermal, and structural performance requirements in a multidisciplinary optimization environment
• Study the newly developed configurations and consider manufacturability issues for high temperature materials
• Participate in wind tunnel experiments for representative Mach numbers and vehicle maneuver conditions for validating the prototypes
• Document the findings and periodically present the research to other DoD Scientists and Engineers

About AFIT

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) is dedicated to building America's airpower by educating military and civilian Airmen to innovate and accomplish the Air Force's core missions more effectively, efficiently, sustainably, and affordably. We provide unique defense-focused, research-enabled, multi-disciplinary advanced academic education, as well as globally delivered career-long, action-based, functional professional continuing education, on-demand and on-command. Our success is measured by the career-long contributions of our graduates, faculty, and staff. AFIT accomplishes this mission through four schools: the Graduate School of Engineering and Management, the School of Systems and Logistics, the Civil Engineer School, and the School of Strategic Force Studies. To learn more about the research performed at AFIT, please visit www.afit.edu.

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Application Requirements

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• One Recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

Citizenship

U.S. Citizen Only

Degree

Completed or currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree in a STEM field.